Scottish salmon export sales could soon break through the £1 billion barrier for the first time, according to trade group Salmon Scotland.
New figures show that salmon exports from Scotland rose 33% to £941 million in the rolling 12 months to the end of June.
The news comes as Scottish salmon farmers prepare to tap into the lucrative Indian market following the free trade agreement negotiated by the UK Government.
In the first six months of 2025 alone, exports were worth £528 million, putting the UK’s largest food export on track for a record-breaking year.
Farm-raised salmon directly employs 2,500 people in Scotland, with a further 10,000 jobs dependent on the sector.
“Significant increases in value were seen in the US, China, Taiwan and Canada, reflecting strong growth in these key markets,” said Salmon Scotland.
“US demand for Scottish salmon continues to rise steeply, but uncertainty remains over the global impact of tariffs, with First Minister John Swinney raising the issue during a recent meeting with President Donald Trump.
“Salmon Scotland is calling for the complete removal of tariffs on Scottish salmon exports to the US and said that 2025 could set a record for international sales if current growth continues.”
Salmon Scotland CEO Tavish Scott said: “These latest export figures show another period of remarkable success for Scottish salmon. They reflect the hard work of our farmers and the growing global demand for our nutritious fish.
“With international sales approaching £1 billion, Scottish salmon continues to perform strongly on the world stage, especially in the US where demand remains robust.
“However, tariffs remain a significant barrier, costing the sector an estimated £30 million each year. Removing these tariffs would open up even greater opportunities for exporters and help secure long-term growth for Scottish salmon.
“Both the UK and Scottish governments acknowledge the potential for continued sustainable growth, and with the right support, we can sustain thousands of jobs and thriving coastal communities.”
France continues to dominate as the top international market for Scottish salmon, making up 45% of exports in the year to June.
Overall, EU export sales dipped 7% to £423 million, while non-EU sales soared 106% to £518 million on a rolling annual basis.
A new marketing campaign backed by the Scottish Government has been launched to help boost sales of “Label Rouge” Scottish salmon in France and other key European markets.
Salmon Scotland’s analysis of HMRC figures, comparing values in the first half of 2025 with the same period in 2024, shows exports to:
- US were up 110 % to £190 million
- China were up 75% to £74 million
- Canada were up 1,300% to £21 million
- Taiwan were up 45% to £17 million
“These figures suggest fresh, whole Scottish salmon exports could surpass the calendar record of £844 million set in 2024,” said Salmon Scotland.
“The volume of fish transported also increased by 26 per cent in the first half of 2025, indicating higher harvest volumes and improved survival rates compared to the previous year.
“Latest data show monthly survival averaged 99.12 per cent between January and June, the best start to a year since this information was first voluntarily published in 2018, following an investment of more than £1 billion in veterinary care, technology and stock management.”
Separately, the UK domestic market for salmon is valued at around £1.5 billion a year, and the sector’s Gross Value Added (GVA) is worth £766 million for the Scottish and UK economy.